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Centre stand: R69S and R75/5

Bob Allan
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Re: Centre stand: R69S and R75/5

Post by Bob Allan »

Just out of interest, how difficult is it to start a 69S on its sidestand? I had one in poor condition once, it's so long ago that I've forgotten.

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schrader7032
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Re: Centre stand: R69S and R75/5

Post by schrader7032 »

I wouldn't try and start my R69S on the side stand. It's not really meant for that kind of load. Put it on the center stand, but don't climb up on the foot peg to kick it. Too much load on the center stand supports.
Kurt in S.A.
'78 R100/7 '69 R69S '52 R25/2
Fast. Neat. Average. Friendly. Good. Good.

Bob Allan
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Re: Centre stand: R69S and R75/5

Post by Bob Allan »

Thanks for the reply Kurt, though the information's academic for me now. You see some horrible torments perpetrated on centrestands & sidestands, & not just with BMWs.

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DIS295
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Re: Centre stand: R69S and R75/5

Post by DIS295 »

I'm currently 5'7", 153#, 79 yrs old, 2 aftermarket hips, damaged rotators etc etc.. My bike is a 64 69s. When I first got the bike, even after getting the center stand corrected, I could barely get it up without multiple tries and anxiety.

Now, my approach, is to turn the bars to full lock left and hold with left hand, set my right foot on the raised rear leg of the stand, with calf against the rear peg, and get my right hand solidly around the frame just forward of the shock. Then in perfect coordination(??) pull back with the left hand, press down with right foot and a little back with right calf, and lift with right arm. Now it goes on the stand 90% of the time. The other ten percent is when my perfect coordination is not so perfect.
1960 NSU Supermax
1964 BMW R69S
1968 Triumph T100R road racer
1972 Triumph T150V road racer
1980 Rob North Triumph T150V triple(975cc with electric start) converted to streetbike
2019 BMW S1000R

EML1150RT
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Re: Centre stand: R69S and R75/5

Post by EML1150RT »

I have a variety of BMWs in the garage and the fifty/2 is the most awkward to get onto the center stand. I have been using the right calf against the passenger peg method for years. Recently someone suggested using a tiedown soft loop attached to the frame just ahead of the saddle bag. It is a pretty simple but effective method. Also added an accessory sidestand that is very rugged. it mounts between the frame and engine. Been mostly starting the bike on the sidestand since.

808Airhead
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Re: Centre stand: R69S and R75/5

Post by 808Airhead »

BMW center stands = WORST DESIGN EVER🤷🏽‍♂️ I’m a 6’2” 230lb. guy that is still strong and virile at 54, and I CURSE these bikes when I gotta put them on the center stand.
Thomas M.
R69S - R60/2 - R67/2 - R51/3 - R69

Boxerbutt
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Re: Centre stand: R69S and R75/5

Post by Boxerbutt »

schrader7032 wrote:
Tue Jun 18, 2024 2:44 pm
Here's another video. It's hard to see it, but he uses the right side of his leg to push/lever against the passenger footpeg:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ydWQ3JofBQ

He's clearly not hauling the bike up with either of his hands!
That video made it look too easy. So, I tried it myself just now. Note: the rear foot peg is adjustable. By adjusting mine so the peg angles upward and canted slightly back, his method worked perfectly. That may be why it didn’t work for some. Play with the angle of the peg a bit.

Ball of right foot on left stand leg, calf on peg, one hand on handlebar, other on back of solo seat, a swift lean backwards against the peg stands her up easily.

Thanks for sharing. My back thanks you too!

Kurt V
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Re: Centre stand: R69S and R75/5

Post by Kurt V »

I can’t help but think the people having difficulties either have a center stand that needs some work or they are just using the wrong technique. I’m not a big, strong guy. 5‘8“ and 160 pounds and I’m not a young guy, 69 years old. But my R 60/2 is one of the easiest bikes I’ve got to get on the center stand. My technique is more of a push N pull I push down on the foot of the center stand and pull up on the frame. Probably an equal amount on both the push and pull.
Kurt V
R60/2, R65 LS
1973 Norton 850, 1973 RD 350

JQSAL
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Re: Centre stand: R69S and R75/5

Post by JQSAL »

I have both an R69S and an R75/5.

Getting the R69 on the center stand can be very difficult. I used to have an R60/2 and for some reason the R69 was far more difficult to get it on the center stand than the R60/2.

The R75/5 is far easier to deal with. The handle helps a lot. Also, the electric starter is something for which I am always thankful.
1969 R69S, 1973 R75/5, 1975 R90/6, 1976 R90S, 1977 R100RS, 1984 R80g/s, 1989 R100GS, 2006 HP2 Enduro, 2023 Suzuki DR650

maddrobh
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Re: Centre stand: R69S and R75/5

Post by maddrobh »

So far, for me, there is no question that the R75/5 is far easier than the R69S to get on its centre stand. I have no reason to believe that the frame or stand bolt holes were particularly worn on my R69S.

(As an aside: I bought a ‘Surefoot’ side stand for the R75/5. It fouled the exhaust pipe, caused the bike to still lean at a silly angle, and the plate on the base of the leg rested at a high angle to the ground, rather than flat. My excellent UK supplier took it back and refunded immediately. I may try a Brown stand, but it’s expensive to import to UK.)

An ‘auld fecker’ says: “electric start is good!” (Pardon my French.)
‘71 R75/5, ‘21 R1250RS, & a couple of brits

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